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"You can't say that because it offends me"
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Post by
Squishalot
Cause it goes both ways...
I'm not sure what point you're trying to prove, because I'm not trying to take anything literally. I'm pointing out the issues with relying on dictionary definitions.
Generally, my slang doesn't offend people nor is it something that a vast amount of humans find demeaning. And when it comes down to it I will tell someone that those words, aren't actual words. Nor do I get bothered if they point that out, since they are right. Not to mention that if someone told me a word (actual or assumed/slang) offended them (on a serious level and not being sarcastic) I would seriously reconsider its use in my vocab and in the most likely case, irradicate it from my vocabulary. So me asking others not to use 'gay' outside of it's actual meaning seems completely acceptable as I would hold myself to the same standard.
So going back to the core of the topic, where do you stand on censorship of the word in this context because it offends people?
Post by
Magician22773
So how about the use of the words "Phat" (fat), "Dope", and "Sweet" as slang terms describe something that is likeable.
Also, I see you don't like Urban Dictionary. How about
Online slang dictionary
•displeasing.
Considered homophobic
.or
Dictionary.com
Often Disparaging and Offensive awkward:
, stupid, or bad; lame:
or a
UK slang dictionary
2. General disparaging term
Do you want me to keep going, because there are many, many, more references out there.
Post by
FatalHeaven
So going back to the core of the topic, where do you stand on censorship of the word in this context because it offends people?
I'm not sure I follow. The only time I used 'gay' in what you quote of me it was a statement of the word, not a descriptor used to mean something. I can see the word 'gay' and not be offended as well as hear it. My offense enters the playing field when it is used incorrectly. I think you're asking if I would stop using the word 'gay'... hmm... no I wouldn't. I said in the most likely case. But asking me not to use a word that I am using in its
correct
context and/or defintion and as such the word isn't an offensive one. That would be like me asking you not to use the word straight because I found it offensive. I wouldn't ask that because straight is not an offensive word nor is it commonly used as one. I hardly see people going "That's so
straight!
"Anyone can argue me on the point and neither of us would probably win. The fact is when I was little kid learning to speak, read and write, I was taught from and given a dictionary. An actual one, not a user edited one of slang.
If I misinterpreted your question, please let me know.
Post by
FatalHeaven
@Magician: I won't quote everything but this is what stuck out to me:
uk
SLANG
online
SLANG
Even on the dictionary.com reference:
Slang
: Often Disparaging and Offensive . awkward, stupid, or bad; lame
(But you chose to leave out the 'Slang:' on that one)
SLANG, SLANG & MORE SLANG.
Slang is irrelevant.
You may see it differently
but
in my opinion
slang holds no place deserving of defense.
You speak of more sources. I'd love to see how full of slang they are.
I'm sorry but my house doesn't have a slang-dictionary, nor will it ever.
So how about the use of the words "Phat" (fat), "Dope", and "Sweet" as slang terms describe something that is likeable.
I don't say 'dope' or 'phat' nor does anyone I associate with IRL so I really don't know on those. Sure I will say something is 'sweet' but a proper dictionary lists all definitions that I use it for and doesn't list any of them as 'slang.'
Post by
Squishalot
If I misinterpreted your question, please let me know.
What I meant was the use of 'gay' in its non-traditionally-defined sense, rather than the literal dictionary meaning.
If I can choose another word, there are four-letter words starting with 'C' used to describe male and female genitalia, which a lot of people find offensive (mostly the female one, I've noticed, seeing as the male one does actually have other dictionary definitions). Despite being used in accordance with definition, would these words make you a) feel uncomfortable, b) feel offended if being used to describe your genitalia, and c) consider censoring the use of these words in everyday context if people are likely to be offended by their use?
Post by
FatalHeaven
If I misinterpreted your question, please let me know.
What I meant was the use of 'gay' in its non-traditionally-defined sense, rather than the literal dictionary meaning.
If I can choose another word, there are four-letter words starting with 'C' used to describe male and female genitalia, which a lot of people find offensive (mostly the female one, I've noticed, seeing as the male one does actually have other dictionary definitions). Despite being used in accordance with definition, would these words make you a) feel uncomfortable, b) feel offended if being used to describe your genitalia, and c) consider censoring the use of these words in everyday context if people are likely to be offended by their use?
I would feel a little odd seeing or hearing it, yes. But if it were used in accordance with its actual definition, I think I would have a hard time finding true 'offense' in it. As far as censoring it, those are two of a small list of words my mother taught me to be unclassy so I would never in my right state of mind use them, even in context to its proper definition. But would I throw a fit if someone else did? No, probably not.
As far as how I feel about censoring 'gay', I think my stance on that is already clear. Use it in accordance with actual (not slang) definition or please don't.
Post by
Magician22773
I'm sorry but my house doesn't have a slang-dictionary, nor will it ever.
Oh, I am so sorry. I did not realize that you only used correct Queen's English in your house. I guess that my debate with you is pointless, since in my house, we are living in the 21st century.
But wait......
Firstly - don't
twink
at 18.
Twink
at 19
Glad it worked out for you :) We all have
blonde moments
It
sucks
Oh,
Hai
there.
I see you
do
use slang terms.
Post by
FatalHeaven
I never said I never use slang. In fact ...
Don't get me wrong, I say words all the time that aren't in a dictionary but if asked I will respond "It's just slang." Generally, my slang doesn't offend people nor is it something that a vast amount of humans find demeaning. And when it comes down to it I will tell someone that those words, aren't actual words. Nor do I get bothered if they point that out, since they are right. Not to mention that if someone told me a word (actual or assumed/slang) offended them (on a serious level and not being sarcastic) I would seriously reconsider its use in my vocab and in the most likely case, irradicate it from my vocabulary. So me asking others not to use 'gay' outside of it's actual meaning seems completely acceptable as I would hold myself to the same standard.
At this, I bid the thread good bye for myself. I told myself if people could be civil I would stay; if it turned into a fight, I was going to retreat. Good luck with the thread to all others.
Post by
Jubilee
I don't like the duality of either the government censoring something or everyone saying it whenever they like. No, the government should not censor a word like gay, no matter what the context it is used in, but that doesn't mean that no one can censor it. People should censor themselves. Friends should censor friends. Private groups should censor their members. You don't need a government mandate to tell you that something is not conducive to respectful human interaction.
I don't care what gay means, what it has meant, or what it will mean. I do care when someone willfully uses the term demeaningly after I or someone else affected has expressed our distaste of and offense at the usage.
Post by
SquireKel
I don't like the duality of either the government censoring something or everyone saying it whenever they like. No, the government should not censor a word like gay, no matter what the context it is used in, but that doesn't mean that no one can censor it. People should censor themselves. Friends should censor friends. Private groups should censor their members. You don't need a government mandate to tell you that something is not conducive to respectful human interaction.
I don't care what gay means, what it has meant, or what it will mean. I do care when someone willfully uses the term demeaningly after I or someone else affected has expressed our distaste of and offense at the usage.
^ this.
Post by
Squishalot
People should censor themselves. Friends should censor friends. Private groups should censor their members.
Thank you! Finally some new sense and reason joins the thread.
Post by
134377
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
gamerunknown
Mockeries of religious figures are harmful for the religion, no?
Indeed. Censorship of mockery of religious figures by government is harmful for free society. We need to balance the various harms.
He willfully portrayed gay men as being effeminate when using the reference to cricket.
I think he was relying on both definitions. Both the disparaging sense and the effeminate sense. No doubt, the former morphed into the latter and can in fact denote both things. That's how innuendo works as a form of humour. In other instances, the association with something perceived as lacking value led to the demeaning definition (^&*!@# for instance probably drew to mind unsanitary, foreign - in the sense of "other" - genitalia)
Post by
Quilan
If you're offended by something someone SAYS to you ever, you need to grow a pair. People need to learn this ain't pre-school where everyone thinks your great. This ain't mom and dad's house where you're safe. You'll get £$%^in' offended and have to live with it. If you say just because something offends you that I can't say it? If I said that does it really look like I'll give a £$%^? NO! Admitedly, yes, if harsh to the point of it's near threat, then feel free to be offended. But if it's something else, stand up for yourself and don't hide behind a government or another.(##RESPBREAK##)16##DELIM##asakawa##DELIM##Ironically, this post was inappropriate. I'm aware of the differing root of he word you used but its use in your post was quite clear and falls under our regarding the circumvention of the language filter.
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